Adjustable Door Frame Spreader Tool

ABSTRACT

An adjustable door frame spreading tool to aid in the alignment and mounting of a hollow metal door frame. The tool includes and first end and second end connected to a collapsing/expanding middle section. The first end and the second end are bifurcated with each end of the bifurcation being square and including a magnet for attachment to the door frame. The tool will spread the door frame and pull the door frame into alignment for attachment to an opening.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/980,248 filed 16 Apr. 2014 to the above named inventor, and isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spreading tool to aid in theinstallation of a hollow metal door frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Often in commercial and industrial buildings metal framing is used alongwith steel doors and metal door frames. A typical metal door frame isconstructed to set dimensions and brought to the site where it isinstalled. These door frames are hollow in structure and secured inplace within the structure using shims, clips, and fasteners. Theinstallation of the door frame in a straight and square position iscritical to the final usage of the door and ensures proper opening,closing, and locking.

In a typical installation, a hollow steel door frame is placed within arough opening. The frame is then leveled, squared, and secured intoplace. To properly level and square the frame, often a removablespreader is used to force and hold the door frame to the proper openingwidth. This spreader is typically a board sized to the opening andwedged between the opposed sides of the door frame. This spreader hasthe ability to push the door frame to the desired opening size.

Often metal door frames have imperfections and a tendency to twist orbuckle during shipping and installation causing problems in the doorframe. Although, the spreader functions for its intended purpose inmaintaining the proper opening of the door frame, it has short comings.The traditional spreader is not adjustable, does not have the ability tosecure itself to frame at multiple heights, does not remove or preventimperfections and twisting during installation, and lacks the ability topull the door frame to the desired installation width. Therefore, thereis a need for an improved spreader to aid in installation of metal doorframes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable door frame spreading tool is disclosed. The tool aids inthe installation of hollow metal door frames and is adjustable for useon frames of multiple sizes. The tool includes a first end, a second endopposite the first end, and an expanding/collapsing middle sectionconnecting the first end and the second end. The first end and thesecond end are bifurcated. The bifurcation u-shaped and culminating in apair of square ends. The square ends having a magnet for attachment tothe door frame rabbet on either side of the door stop. The bifurcationsized to straddle the door stop and allow the square ends to contact therabbet.

The collapsing/expanding middle section includes a plurality ofapertures. The apertures sized to receive a pin. The apertures and pinallow for adjustment of the collapsing/expanding middle part. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the collapsing/expandingmiddle part is formed from two sections with one section telescopicallyand nestedly received within the other section. Accordingly, bothsections will include apertures in alignment to receive the pin, whereina width of the tool is adjusted by expanding or collapsing the sectionsand securing the width with the pin.

In use, a user will determine the width of the door frame to beinstalled. The user will then adjust the tool to the proper width. Theuser will then secure to the tool to the door frame by attaching thefirst end and the second end to the door frame opposite each other withthe bifurcations straddling the door stop. The magnets present in thesquare ends will secure the tool to the door frame. These magnets haveadequate strength to support and secure the tool to the door frame andpull the door frame to the proper width if the frame is slightly out ofalignment or too wide. After attachment of the tool and proper alignmentof the frame, the user will secure the door frame within the openingusing the appropriate fasteners. The use of the tool will ensure properalignment and expedite the installation process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present invention and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrateexemplary embodiments of the present invention and together with thedescription serve to further explain the principles of the invention.Other aspects of the invention and the advantages of the invention willbe better appreciated as they become better understood by reference tothe Detailed Description when considered in conjunction withaccompanying drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a isometric view of the adjustable door frame spreading tool,according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a second end of the adjustable door framespreading tool, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a end view of the adjustable door frame spreading tool,according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a an exploded view of the pin received within thecollapsing/expanding middle section of the adjustable door framespreading tool in use, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description.The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in whichthe invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are alsoreferred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Theembodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, orstructural, and logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it isto be understood that this invention is not limited to particularvariations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may bemade to the invention described and equivalents may be substitutedwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) orstep(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention.All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of thedisclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in thisdocument have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Suchordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the artand by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that theembodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure,or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or notexplicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrativerather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings givenby usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, anycombination of the items, or all of the items with which this term isassociated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and thelike are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the presentinvention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer toembodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, undercertain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred,under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments doesnot imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended toexclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,”“right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify thevarious elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,”and “rear” being relative to the apparatus.

These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, asthe various elements may be oriented differently in variousapplications.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two membersdirectly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary innature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flowof fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals orcommunication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another orwith the two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent innature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first element could be termed asecond element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1-4, an adjustable door frame spreading tool,generally referred to as 10 is disclosed. The tool 10 aids in theinstallation of hollow metal door frames 20 and is adjustable for use ondoor frames of multiple sizes. The tool 10 includes a first end 101, asecond end 102 opposite the first end 101, and an expanding/collapsingmiddle section 103 connecting the first end 101 and the second end 102.The first end 101 and the second end 102 are bifurcated. The bifurcationu-shaped and culminating in a pair of square ends 110, 111 and 120, 121.The square ends 110, 111, 120, 121 having a magnet 200 for attachment tothe door frame rabbet on either side of the door stop. The bifurcationsized to straddle the door stop and allow the square ends 110, 111, 120,121 to contact the rabbet.

The collapsing/expanding middle section 103 includes a plurality ofapertures 130. The apertures 130 sized to receive a pin 131. Theapertures 130 and pin 131 allow for adjustment of thecollapsing/expanding middle part 103. In the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the collapsing/expanding middle part 103 is formedfrom two sections with one section telescopically and nestedly receivedwithin the other section. Accordingly, a first section will include oneaperture adjacent to its end and a second section will include apertures130 along its length and aligned with the aperture of the first sectionto receive the pin 131, wherein a width of the tool 10 is adjusted byexpanding or collapsing the sections and securing the width with the pin131.

In use, a user will determine the width of the door frame 20 to beinstalled. The user will then adjust the tool 10 to the proper width.The user will then secure to the tool 10 to the door frame by attachingthe first end 101 and the second end 102 to the door frame 20 oppositeeach other with the bifurcations straddling the door stop. The magnets200 present in the square ends 110, 111, 120, 121 will secure the tool10 to the door frame 20. These magnets 200 have adequate strength tosupport and secure the tool 10 to the door frame 20 and to pull the doorframe 20 to the proper width if the frame is slightly out of alignmentor too wide. After attachment of the tool 10 and proper alignment of theframe 20, the user will secure the door frame 20 within the openingusing the appropriate fasteners. The use of the tool 10 will ensureproper alignment and expedite the installation process.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tool 10 isprovided in two parts and constructed from aluminum, although othersimilar shapes and types of materials may be used. According to thispreferred embodiment, the expanding/collapsing middle section 103 iscomprised of 1¼ inch angle aluminum is nestedly received within 1½ inchangular aluminum sleeve. Preferably, the distance of the u-shape of thebifurcation between the square ends 110, 111, 120, 121 of each side is 5inches. This distance accommodates door stop widths of several sizes andallows for universal usage of the tool 10. Preferably, the depth of thesquare ends 110, 111, 120, 121 is 1¼ inches to accommodate door stopheights of several sizes and allows for universal usage of the tool 10.Preferably, the distance between the apertures 130 is 2 inches to allowfor varying door frame 30 widths. Although, these are the preferreddimensions, it is anticipated that several other dimensions may be usedto capture the spirit of the idea; therefore small changes in dimensionare merely design choices and will not affect the function or use of thedevice.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling with the scope of the specificationand the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool for the installation of a metal doorframe, the tool comprising: a first end, the first end bifurcated witheach end of the bifurcation square and having a magnetic surface; asecond end, the second end opposite the first end, the second endmirroring the first end with the second end bifurcated with each end ofthe bifurcation square and having a magnetic surface; acollapsing/expanding middle section, the collapsing/expanding middlesection affixed to the first end and the second end, wherein the toollength is adjustable by the collapsing expanding middle section.
 2. Atool as in claim 1 wherein, the collapsing/expanding middle section iscomprised of: a first hollow section in communication with the firstend, the first hollow section having an aperture at an end opposite thefirst end; a second section nestedly received within the first hollowsections, the second section in communication with the second end, thesecond section including a plurality of apertures, the apertures alignedwith the aperture of the first hollow section; and a pin, the pinreceived within the apertures of the first hollow section and alignedaperture of the second section, wherein the pin restricts movement ofthe second section relative to the first hollow section.
 3. A tool as inclaim 2, wherein the tool is constructed out of aluminum.
 4. A tool asin claim 2, wherein the distance between the bifurcation of the firstend and the second end is five inches.
 5. A tool as in claim 2, whereinthe height of the square ends of the first end and the second end is oneand one-quarter inches.
 6. A tool for the installation of a metal doorframe, the tool comprising: a first end, the first end bifurcated witheach end of the bifurcation square and having a magnetic surface; asecond end, the second end opposite the first end, the second endmirroring the first end with the second end bifurcated with each end ofthe bifurcation square and having a magnetic surface; a first hollowsection in communication with the first end, the first hollow sectionhaving an aperture at an end opposite the first end; a second sectionnestedly received within the first hollow sections, the second sectionin communication with the second end, the second section including aplurality of apertures, the apertures aligned with the aperture of thefirst hollow section; and a pin, the pin received within the aperturesof the first hollow section and aligned aperture of the second section,wherein the pin restricts movement of the second section relative to thefirst hollow section.
 7. A tool as in claim 6, wherein, wherein the toolis constructed out of aluminum.
 8. A tool as in claim 6, wherein thedistance between the bifurcation of the first end and the second end isfive inches.
 9. A tool as in claim 6, wherein the height of the squareends of the first end and the second end is one and one-quarter inches.